Official Blog of the Frederick Keys – Advanced 'A' Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles

O’s draft review, part three

The Carolina League all-star break ends tomorrow and for Keys players, their break ended this afternoon. The team is back at Harry Grove Stadium for a late afternoon workout as they prepare for the start of the second half of the season.

The Keys’ second half begins tomorrow at 7 p.m. against Myrtle Beach at Harry Grove Stadium. But before we get back to focusing on this year’s team, let’s continue to look at likely future Keys with part three (picks 21-30) of our Orioles draft review. (Click for parts one and two.)

*Orioles draft review, part three

Nicky Cunningham, RHP (Rd. 20, 609th Overall)- This 6-foot-2 righty from Arizona has a fastball that is consistent in the high 80s. He compliments it with a very nice slider has well and a decent change-up. His freshman year he posted a 4.29 ERA in 35 appearances but only made 29 appearances in the following three seasons. He had a 5.72 ERA in 28 innings his senior year.

Levi Scott, 1B (Rd. 21, 639th Overall)- This past season at Howard College, Scott posted a .359 average, hit four homers, drove in 27 runs and scored 27 runs as well. The 6-foot-3 first baseman also did some pitching in high school and college, but his stuff is not good enough for the majors so the Orioles are looking to mold him into an infielder.

Jon Keller, RHP (Rd. 22, 669th Overall)- Keller helped the Tampa Spartans reach the D-II College World Series his junior season. That year he went 4-3 with a 4.19 ERA. He did not give up a home run in 54 innings. His 6-foot-5 stature allows him to create heat off of the mound pitching consistently between 90-94 MPH. His secondary stuff needs work. He was ranked 295th in Baseball America’s Top 500.

Stefan Crichton, RHP (Rd. 23, 699th Overall)- In 2012, Crichton pitched 95 innings for Texas Christian and finished 9-2, struck out 53 and only gave up 36 earned runs. In his three years at TCU, he finished 19-8 with a 3.73 ERA. His fastball sits in the high eighties topping out at 89 MPH.

Jared Breen, SS (Rd. 24, 729th Overall)- He started in 63 of 64 games at Belmont his sophomore year. Breen hit .280 with 35 runs scored and 32 RBIs. In 63 games he had 15 multi-hit games and nine multi RB games. He the perfect leadoff guy and always finding a way to get on base.

Danny Ayers, LHP (Rd. 25, 759th Overall)- Ranked 177th in Baseball America’s Top 500, Ayers has a fast ball that consistently hits 94 MPH and it is paired with an excellent curveball that is in the upper 70s. His fastball has slowed down a little since the scouts first saw him play because he is working on his control and feel for the mound. He is committed to Western Michigan.

Layne Bruner, LHP (Rd. 26, 789th Overall)- His fast sits in the mid-80s but scouts are hoping his 6-foot-2, 170 pound build allows some run for growing and strength as he gets older and improves. This Washington State commit like his composure on the mound and his above average curveball.

Donnie Hart, LHP (Rd. 27, 819th Overall)- In 2012, he appeared in 14 games, all out of the bullpen. He had scoreless outings in his first five appearances and eight of his first nine. He finished the year allowing batters to hit only .138 against him. His fastball sits around 86 MPH and throws a very good slider.

Robert Tyler, RHP (Rd. 28, 849th Overall)- He consistently throws between 90-93 MPH topping out at 95 MPH from time to time. His curveball is not the best but he is still a raw player and needs a lot of improvement. Standing at 6-foot-5, he weighs in just under 200 pounds so there is room for improvement. The Georgia commit has been one called one of the best pitchers in Georgia this past season leading his high school to their deepest playoff run in fifty years.

Conor Bierfeldt, OF (Rd. 29, 879th Overall)- Senior Co Captain Conor Biereldt was named 3rd Team All American while playing at Western Connecticut State University. He batted .396 that season with 16 doubles, 9 home runs and 54 RBIs.

*In other Orioles draft news, the Birds have come to agreements with some of their top picks. First rounder Josh Hart has been signed, according to reports, including MASN’s Steve Melewski.

O's agreed to sign Josh Hart for 1.45M, just under slot of $1,508,600.

Josh Hart, OF (Rd. 1, 36th Overall)- Ranked 57th according to Baseball America’s Top 500, Hart is known for his ability to find the gaps in the field. Not much of a power hitter, many scouts do not agree with his lack of lower body in his swing but nonetheless, he could be an excellent leadoff hitter. The Georgia Tech signee’s speed not only helps on the bases but also defensively in the outfield as well.

The Orioles announced the signing of second-round pick Chance Sisco today. From part one of the draft review:

Chance Sisco, C (Rd. 2, 61st Overall)- This former shortstop is new to catching but seems like it could be the right fit for him. Sisco has shown a sub-2.0-second pop time though his accuracy was not the best. He was ranked 151st according to Baseball America’s Top 500. His sheer athleticism is shown in his soft hands behind the plate and ability to play in the field as well. This left-handed hitter has power but has a slight tendency to drift at the plate.

And Jim Callis, executive editor of Baseball America, on Sisco, in 140 characters or less:

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